U.S. patent application number 11/426270 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-27 for reclosable storage bag closure with internal valving.
Invention is credited to Edward Alan Berich.
Application Number | 20070297698 11/426270 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38873634 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070297698 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berich; Edward Alan |
December 27, 2007 |
Reclosable Storage Bag Closure With Internal Valving
Abstract
A reclosable fastener having a one-way valve interposed between
first and second sets of interlocking members permits fluid flow in
one direction through the fastener and blocks fluid flow in an
opposite direction through the fastener.
Inventors: |
Berich; Edward Alan; (New
Braunfels, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARR LLP
670 FOUNDERS SQUARE, 900 JACKSON STREET
DALLAS
TX
75202
US
|
Family ID: |
38873634 |
Appl. No.: |
11/426270 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 24/40 20130101;
Y10S 24/41 20130101; B65D 33/2558 20130101; B65D 33/2541 20130101;
B65D 33/2533 20130101; Y10T 24/45168 20150115; Y10T 24/2534
20150115; Y10T 24/2532 20150115; B65D 33/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/42 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/16 20060101
B65D033/16 |
Claims
1. A reclosable fastener, comprising: a. a first set of
interlocking members; b. a second set of interlocking members; c. a
valve interposed between the first set of interlocking members and
the second set of interlocking members, the valve being configured
to permit fluid flow therethrough in a first direction and block
fluid flow therethrough in a second, opposite direction; d. at
least one first orifice formed in a set of interlocking members on
one side of said valve; and e. at least one second orifice formed
in a set of interlocking members on another side of said valve.
2. The reclosable fastener of claim 1, wherein the first set of
interlocking members comprises a first base portion, first and
second spaced apart interlocking members extending from the first
base portion, and a contact surface extending from the first base
portion; and wherein the second set of interlocking members
comprises a second base portion, third and fourth spaced apart
interlocking members extending from the second base portion, and a
deformable valve member extending from the second base portion.
3. The reclosable fastener of claim 2, wherein a first cavity is
formed between the first base portion and the second base portion,
and between the first and third interlocking members and the valve;
and wherein a second cavity is formed between the first base
portion and the second base portion, and between the second and
fourth interlocking members and the valve.
4. The reclosable fastener of claim 3, wherein the at least one
first orifice is formed in a first interlocking member of the first
set of interlocking members, and the at least one second orifice is
formed in a second interlocking member of the first set of
interlocking members.
5. The reclosable fastener of claim 3, wherein the at least one
first orifice is formed in a first interlocking member of the first
set of interlocking members, and the at least one second orifice is
formed in the base portion of the first set of interlocking
members.
6. The reclosable fastener of claim 3, wherein the at least one
first orifice is formed in the base portion of the first set of
interlocking members, and the at least one second orifice is formed
in the base portion of the first set of interlocking members.
7. The reclosable fastener of claim 3, wherein the at least one
first orifice is formed in the base portion of the first set of
interlocking members, and the at least one second orifice is formed
in an interlocking member of the first set of interlocking
members.
8. The reclosable fastener of claim 1, further comprising an
adhesive material incorporated into the valve.
9. The reclosable fastener of claim 2, further comprising a first
flange extending from the first base portion and a second flange
extending from the second base portion.
10. The reclosable fastener of claim 9, further comprising an
adhesive material interposed between the first flange and the
second flange, wherein the first flange and the second flange are
bonded together.
11. A method for providing a reclosable bag, comprising the steps
of: a. making a reclosable fastener having an integral one-way
valve; and b. incorporating the reclosable fastener in a plastic
storage bag.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the reclosable fastener is
oriented to exhaust gases from an interior of the bag and restrict
re-entry of gases to the interior of the bag.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the reclosable fastener is
oriented to permit a flow of gases into an interior of the bag and
restrict the flow of gases out of the bag.
14. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of
providing an adhesive material within the one-way valve for
hermetically sealing the bag.
15. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of
providing an adhesive material between flanges of the reclosable
fastener for hermetically sealing the bag.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of
perforating the bag between the reclosable fastener and the
adhesively sealed flanges for facilitating initial opening of the
reclosable fastener.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to reclosable storage bags and, more
particularly, to reclosable storage bags having a closure having an
integral one-way valve.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Reclosable plastic storage bags, or zipper-type lock bags,
are widely used for storing foods and other items in an airtight
enclosure. Generic zipper-type lock bags are available for consumer
use in storing leftover foods or other items. Zipper-type lock bags
are also made for packaging foods, such as breakfast cereals for
example, in printed bags marked for sale to consumers. Some
zipper-type lock bags are equipped with a slider feature for ease
in opening and closing the reclosable zipper feature. A reclosable
zipper feature may include a two-track zipper closure for producing
a more positive seal. Some zipper closures extend across the full
width of the reclosable storage bag, while other zipper closures
extend only part-way across the width of the bag, thereby producing
a pour spout when the zipper closure is open.
[0005] It is frequently desirable to evacuate excess air or other
gases from a reclosable storage bag after the bag has been filled
with a food product or some other item. Evacuation of air or other
gases can be accomplished by leaving the zipper closure feature
part-way open while partially compressing the bag to force air out,
and then manually closing the zipper closure feature to prevent air
from re-entering the bag.
[0006] Some reclosable bags incorporate a separate one-way air
valve within the bag's construction for exhausting excess air or
other gases once the zipper closure feature is completely closed.
The addition of a one-way air valve as a separate feature tends to
complicate the design and manufacture of a reclosable storage bag
and increases its cost. Moreover, food items that are processed in
the bag for preservation require leak-proof fasteners that can be
hermetically sealed. Adhesives can be applied to the storage bag
package outside the zipper closure feature, and applied as part of
the zipper closure or at the packaging machine. However, these
methods do not address the problem faced with sealing the closure
feature itself at the package ends. A zipper closure that extends
only part-way across the bag partly addresses this problem, but
reduces the effective opening of the package.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a reclosable fastener,
zipper, or zipper-type lock, feature that addresses at least some
of the problems associated with conventional methods and
apparatuses for sealing a reclosable plastic storage bag.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A reclosable fastener having a one-way valve interposed
between first and second sets of interlocking members permits fluid
flow in one direction through the fastener and blocks fluid flow in
an opposite direction through the fastener.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] For a more complete understanding of the present invention
and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reclosable fastener having
an internal valve according to one aspect of the present
invention;
[0011] FIGS. 2A-2B are sectional views of the reclosable fastener
taken along the lines 2-2 in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIGS. 3A-3B are sectional views of the reclosable fastener
according to another aspect of the present invention;
[0013] FIGS. 4A-4B are sectional views depicting the reclosable
fastener in combination with a flexible bag;
[0014] FIG. 5 is an elevation of a flexible bag incorporating a
reclosable fastener according to another aspect of the present
invention;
[0015] FIGS. 6A-6B are sectional views of the flexible bag taken
along the line 6-6 in FIG. 5; and
[0016] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the flexible bag taken along
the line 7-7 in FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] In the following discussion, in which the same part of the
invention appearing in more than one view is designated by the same
reference character, numerous specific details are set forth to
provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention
may be practiced without such specific details.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the reference numeral
100 generally designates a reclosable fastener having an integral
one-way valve according to one embodiment of the present invention.
The reclosable fastener 100 has a first set of opposing
interlocking members 102 and a second set of opposing interlocking
members 104. When engaged, the two sets of opposing interlocking
members 102, 104 resist opening unless pulled apart by an opening
force. In an embodiment shown, the first set of opposing
interlocking members 102 has an elongated base portion or substrate
106, spaced-apart interlocking members 108A, 108B extending
therefrom and running the length of the substrate 106, and a
wedge-shaped contact surface 110 protruding from and running along
the length of the substrate 106 at a position between interlocking
members 108A, 108B. In the embodiment shown, spaced-apart
interlocking members 108A, 108B have vent openings 112A, 112B,
respectively, formed as orifices therein at locations along the
length of the interlocking members 108A, 108B. In the embodiment
shown, the second set of opposing interlocking members 104 has a
base portion or substrate 114, spaced-apart interlocking members
116A, 116B extending therefrom and running the length of the
substrate 114, and a flap-like valve stem 118 extending from and
running along the length of the substrate 106 at a position between
interlocking members 116A, 116B. In the embodiment shown, and as
will be explained hereinafter, the reclosable fastener 100 is
configured so that the valve stem 118 abuts a surface of contact
surface 110 when the reclosable fastener 100 is closed.
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 2A, the reclosable fastener 100 is
shown in cross-section taken through a plane intersecting a pair of
vent openings 112A, 112B. In the embodiment shown, interlocking
members 108A, 108B depend from substrate 106 and terminate in
hook-shaped detents 120A, 120B, wherein the hooks 120A, 120B are
pointing inwards, towards each other. Cooperatively, interlocking
members 116A, 116B arise from substrate 114 and terminate in
hook-shaped detents 122A, 122B, wherein the hooks 122A, 122B are
pointing outwards, away from each other. The interlocking members
108A, 108B are spaced apart by a first distance A, and interlocking
members 116A, 116B are spaced apart by a second distance B, wherein
the distance B is less than the distance A such that interlocking
members 112A and 116A mate with and interlock with each other, and
that interlocking members 112B and 116B mate with and interlock
with each other. When engaged, the second set of opposing
interlocking members 104 fit between and within the first set of
opposing interlocking members 102 so the hook-shaped detent
profiles 120A, 120B of the first set 102 mate with and interlock
with the hook-shaped detent profiles 122A, 122B of the second set
106. The interlocking members 108A, 108B and 116A, 116B of each set
102, 104 are spaced apart to define one or more cavities 124, 126
between the interlocking members and the substrates. Other shapes
of interlocking profiles can also be used in a spaced-apart
configuration defining one or more cavities therebetween.
[0020] The reclosable fasterner 100 can be used to close one end of
a flexible storage bag, as will be shown and described in more
detail hereinafter. Certain features will now be described with
reference to FIGS. 2A-2B, for providing a one-way valve for venting
gases through the reclosable fastener 100 when the fastener 100 is
closed. As shown in FIG. 2A, the flap-like valve stem 118 abuts
contact surface 110 to form a closed valve separating a first
cavity 124 from a second cavity 126. The first cavity 124 is
defined by contact surface 110, valve stem 118, interlocking
members 108B and 116B, a portion of substrate 106 extending between
contact surface 110 and interlocking member 108B, and a portion of
substrate 114 extending between valve stem 118 and interlocking
member 116B. Vent openings 112B formed in and through a wall
portion of interlocking member 108B admit gases to and from cavity
124. The second cavity 126 is defined by contact surface 110, valve
stem 118, interlocking members 108A and 116A, a portion of
substrate 106 extending between contact surface 110 and
interlocking member 108A, and a portion of substrate 114 extending
between valve stem 118 and interlocking member 116A. Vent openings
112A formed in and through a wall portion of interlocking member
108A admit gases to and from second cavity 126. In the absence of a
positive pressure within cavity 124 with respect to cavity 126,
valve stem 118 abuts contact surface 110 to separate and seal-off
first cavity 124 from second cavity 126.
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 2B, a positive pressure within first
cavity 124 deforms valve stem 118, bending the valve stem 118 away
from contact surface 110 and forming a passage 128 through which
gases are permitted to flow from first cavity 124 into second
cavity 126. When the one-way valve is open, gases are permitted to
flow in through vent openings 112B, through first cavity 124,
through passage 128, through second cavity 126, and out through
vent openings 112A. When the positive pressure appearing in first
cavity 124 subsides, the valve stem returns to its original shape
and again abuts contact surface 110 to close the one-way valve.
[0022] It should be appreciated that although the contact surface
110 is shown as being formed in substrate 106 of the first set of
interlocking members 102, and the flap-like valve stem 118 is shown
as being formed in the substrate 114 of the second set of
interlocking members 104, the positions of the contact surface 110
and valve stem 118 can just as easily be reversed. The contact
surface 110 can be formed in a substrate from which interlocking
members 116A, 116B extend, and the valve stem 118 can be formed in
a substrate from which interlocking members 108A, 108B extend, and
the one-way valve formed thereby functions just as well. Moreover,
it should be appreciated that vent orifices 112A, 112B can be
formed in other locations within the reclosable fastener, as will
be shown and described hereinafter.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 3A, the reference numeral 100'
generally designates a reclosable fastener having an integral
one-way valve and an adhesive seal layer according to an embodiment
of the present invention. A co-extruded or applied polymer or
adhesive seal layer 130 is incorporated into contact surface 1101
of first set of opposing interlocking members 102' where valve stem
118 of second set of opposing interlocking members 104 abuts
contact surface 110'. The reclosable fastener 100' can be
incorporated into a package that is processed with a sufficiently
high temperature so that the adhesive seal layer 130 melts and
creates a welded bond between the valve stem 118 and the opposed
contact point 132. The welded bond at contact point 132 can be
broken by opening the reclosable fastener 100' and thereafter
internal pressure can bend valve stem 118 away from contact surface
110 as described above, and as shown in FIG. 3B.
[0024] A reclosable fastener 100, or 100', can be incorporated into
a package such as a flexible storage bag and used in a known manner
to reclose or reseal the bag after opening. FIGS. 4A-4B depict a
reclosable fastener 100 included near an opening of a flexible bag
140.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 4A, a force F acting upon bag 140
creates a positive pressure within the bag 140 as sealed by
reclosable fastener 100. Gases internal to the bag 140 are urged
under pressure to flow towards an available exit which, in this
case, is provided by the one-way valve feature of reclosable
fastener 100. Arrows 142 indicate the flow of gases from the
interior 144 of the bag 140, through vent openings 112B, through
first cavity 124, through passage 128 between valve stem 118 and
contact surface 110, through second cavity 126, and out through
vent openings 112A, thereby venting gases from the interior 144 of
the bag 140 to the atmosphere 148. Referring now to FIG. 4B,
reversing the pressure creates a partial internal vacuum V within
the bag 140, pulling valve stem 118 against contact surface 110 and
blocking the flow of gases, indicated by arrows 146, through the
reclosable fastener 100.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 5, a tamper-evident reclosable bag 150
has a substantially permanent seal 152 across the top, where the
bag 150 will be opened. A line of perforations 154 provided across
the bag and below the substantially permanent seal 152 permit a
user to tear off a top portion 156 of the bag 150 to initially gain
access to contents of the bag 150. A reclosable fastener 100
incorporated into bag 150, below the top portion 156, can be opened
by the user, after tearing off top portion 156 of bag 150, and
thereafter be re-closed to close the bag 150 and retain the
contents thereof. Further details concerning the construction and
operation of tamper-evident reclosable bag 150 will now be
explained with reference to sectional views presented in FIGS.
6-7.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 6A, tamper-evident reclosable bag 150,
shown in cross-section taken along the lines 6-6 in FIG. 5,
incorporates reclosable fastener 100'' having extended flanges 156,
158 extending towards the top of the bag 150. The extended flanges
156, 158 are formed during manufacture of the reclosable fastener
100'' by extending substrates 106'', 114'' in the direction of exit
vents 112A''. The exit vents 112A'' are formed in and through
substrate 106'' of first set of opposing interlocking members
102''. The extended flanges 156, 158 can be grasped by a user and
pulled apart to apply an opening force to the reclosable fastener
100''. A passageway 160 exists in an unsealed area between the
extended flange 156 of substrate 106'' and a side wall 162 of
reclosable bag 150. A force F acting upon reclosable bag 150
creates a positive pressure within the bag 150 as sealed by
reclosable fastener 100''. Gases internal to the bag 150 are urged
under pressure to flow towards an available exit which, in this
case, is provided by the one-way valve feature of reclosable
fastener 100''. Arrows 164 indicate the flow of gases from an
interior 166 of the bag 150, through the reclosable fastener 100''
in the manner hereinbefore described, through passageway 160 and to
the atmosphere 148. Referring now to FIG. 6B, reversing the
pressure creates a partial internal vacuum V within the bag 150,
closing the one-way valve in the manner hereinbefore described and
blocking the flow of gases, indicated by arrows 166, through the
reclosable fastener 100''.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 7, the tamper-evident bag 150 is shown
in cross-section taken along the line 7-7 in FIG. 5. In the
embodiment shown, the side wall 162 of bag 150 is secured to
reclosable fastener 100'' in at least two places, the first being
in a first region 168 adjacent substrate 106'' where interlocking
member 108B'' and contact surface 110'' are formed. The side wall
162 can be secured to the substrate 106'' utilizing a layer of
adhesive material 170 interposed therebetween in the region 168.
The side wall 162 can also be secured to extended flange 156 of
substrate 106'' in a second region 172 at the top thereof,
utilizing a substantially permanent seal 174 applied interstitially
across the top of the bag 150. The unsealed area between first
region 168 and second region 172 forms passageway 160 for
conducting gases from exit vents 112A'' towards the top of bag 150
and to the atmosphere 148. Referring back to FIG. 5, interstitial
seals 174A-D are applied in a segmented fashion across the top of
bag 150, leaving gaps 176A-C through which gases can be exhausted
from passageway 160 to the atmosphere 148.
[0029] The reclosable fasteners 100, 100', 100'' disclosed herein,
and variations thereon, provide a convenient method of releasing
internal pressures from within sealed packaging, while capable of
maintaining a hermetic or tamper-evident reclosable package.
[0030] With the inclusion of a temperature-sensitive seal layer,
predictable release and seal activation can be achieved. The valve
stem, when temperature-sealed to the opposing contact point in this
manner, creates a tamper-evident or hermetic sealing feature.
Modifications to the valve stem can include perforations or scoring
of the valve stem 118 and/or adhesive seal layer 130 for controlled
destruction of the hermetic seal during initial opening. Equipment
for handling fasteners for reclosable packaging can accept the
reclosable fastener with internal valving as disclosed herein with
minimal or no modifications.
[0031] The reclosable fastener can also be applied in an opposite
direction to permit the flow of gases into a sealed package while
blocking flow out of the sealed package, thereby creating a pillow
bag for shipping fragile items, wherein the pillow bag can easily
be inflated for use, then deflated for storage by opening the
reclosable fastener.
[0032] It will further be understood from the foregoing description
that various modifications and changes may be made in the preferred
embodiment of the present invention without departing from its true
spirit. This description is intended for purposes of illustration
only and should not be construed in a limiting sense. The scope of
this invention should be limited only by the language of the
following claims.
* * * * *